Meet author Holly DeHerrera
Holly DeHerrera grew up as a military brat, traveling the world with her family. The Amish and Mennonite branches of her family tree inspired her Middlebury Mysteries series, highlighting the old stories and recipes of her salt-of-the-earth heritage. Her novel entitled, The Orphan Maker’s Sin, grew out of her experiences in Turkey during the Gulf War. Holly teaches creative writing at a local public school and lives with her husband and five kids in Colorado.
Tell us about your newest book.
The Root Cellar Mystery, book 1 in the Middlebury Mysteries series is the story of Old Order Mennonite cousins, Poppy and Sadie, who suspect “a re-e-a-a-al criminal” is staying at Aendi Hannah’s bed and breakfast. Then a missing dog, a mysterious code, creepy creaks, and a floating light in the dark of night only make Poppy and Sadie more jumpy and suspicious of their strange, elderly guest. Even trusting Aendi Hannah wants to keep an eye on her snowy headed guest. After spotting wads of green bills in Ms. Lindy’s large trunk, the sleuthing cousins wonder: Was Ms. Lindy just released from prison and is she a thief? To figure out what this little old, Mennonite grandmother is up to, the junior detectives spy on their mysterious guest. Why has Ms. Lindy come to Middlebury, Indiana, and what is the puzzling stranger searching for in Aendi Hannah’s root cellar? Will Poppy and Sadie’s snoopery solve the mystery surrounding Ms. Lindy’s past in this cozy mystery in the Middlebury Mystery series?
What inspired you to write “The Root Cellar Mystery”?
This story, the first in the series, was inspired by an old, crusty recipe box from my Grandma Yoder. I loved the idea of weaving old family recipes into a mystery where the actual memories of times spent together, sharing food, became part of a multi-generational story. I’ve always been drawn to the old ways still held firmly by Mennonite and Amish people, some of whom make up the branches of my own family tree. Their focus on hard work, the value of family and putting God first inspire me.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
This is a mystery involving two Old Order Mennonite girls who stumble on a mystery when they spot the elderly guest at the bed and breakfast sneaking around in the root cellar late at night. What is she looking for and is the family in danger?
What genre do you focus on and why?
Gosh, I seem to hop around! My middle grade mystery series is quite different, written for 7-11 year olds and set firmly in the midwest! My first mainstream fiction novel, geared toward women and a YA audience, takes place in Turkey. And the novel I’m currently writing is in that same genre, but takes place in another amazing place in the world, Cornwall, England. And then I’ve written a writing curriculum to be released early next year. So, basically, I’m a bit scattered.
Why do you write?
It makes me feel like me. Writing calms my spazziness and makes me happy. I also love the idea that something I’ve written might comfort, encourage or simply entertain another human. I often think of the one to whom the story is written, picturing them sitting there, curled up with my book. And I want to make that person laugh and cry and feel hope.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
My main character in “The Root Cellar Mystery” is Poppy. Her name is my husband’s nickname for me, and honestly, when I think of how Poppy thinks, I remember my own childhood adventures and my own overactive imagination and desire to help people. Inside, Poppy feels a lot like my little-girl self.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I wish I could say I am super disciplined and write every day, but that would be a lie. I try to write regularly but I am always pulled in different directions as a mom, wife and teacher (directions I LOVE but still, they pull me away from writing). And so I try to at least write once a week and make it a goal to push through several chapters at a time.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Just finding time and space to write and tap into that creative part of myself can be a challenge. Also, marketing. That part isn’t my favorite.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The writing itself fills me up and grounds me.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I have lived in six different countries and absolutely adore meeting people from other places and diving into their unique cultures. I was a member of the African American dance troupe in college—despite being white. The group was very kind and never made me feel dumb for joining. Aside from loving to dance, I wanted to make a point in a fairly segregated community, that racism and staying separate from other people just because of race causes us to miss so much beauty, opportunity for growth and deep, stretching friendships. I still treasure those memories and the lessons I learned.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I am always learning and growing! As I repeatedly tell my students, if you’re open to it, you don’t ever stop learning. And the learning really hinges on making the effort and applying lessons, versus sitting back and being passive.
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading, writing and watching cooking shows.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes. The Orphan Maker’s Sin. Also, books 2 and 3 in the Middlebury Mysteries series will be coming out in September and October. I’m so excited! My multi-genre writing curriculum is in the beginning editing phases and should release in 2021. It is entitled, “Unleash the Pen!”
What are you working on now?
I’m currently about two-thirds of the way through my newest novel about a young woman who buys an English castle on the internet. I’m having so much fun! Are you picking up on a theme? I tend to live out my dreams through my characters.
Website: https://hollyyoderdeherrera.wordpress.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683550269
Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHollyYoderDeherrera
https://twitter.com/HollyYDeHerrera
Instagram: @hollyyoderdeherrera
The Thrill of the Win!
Recently, I opened my email and found that I’d won not one—but TWO—book awards. Sara’s Surprise won the 2020 American Book Fest Fiction Award, and Katelyn’s Choice was a finalist in the same award contest. Moreover, a month or so before that, Katelyn’s Choice won the 2020 Illumination Book Awards bronze medal! My first two books were also winners. The Fabric of Hope and Christmas Charity were five-star winners in the Readers’ Choice awards and finalists in the Indie Excellence Book awards. So, it’s been quite a ride—just three years, five books, and the thrill of the win at every turn.
It’s not easy being an author. On the road to getting published, there’s a ton of rejection, criticism, negative input, and dire warnings of failure. There are twists and turns, ups and downs, and days, weeks, or even years of little feedback. And rarely is it financially rewarding. Then, after spending hundreds of hours alone with your computer, cranking out 80,000 words or so, and wondering whether anyone will appreciate what you write, having your work recognized is a life-changing experience. It’s simply no small thing to compete against dozens, even hundreds, of amazing authors who are nominated for these awards and becoming a winner, or even a finalist. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.
With each award announcement I’ve shed tears of joy, trembled in humility, and danced around my house like a two-
year-old on Christmas Day. Each is a precious gift, an incredible experience which reminds me that what I do matters.
Yet I don’t write to win an award; I write to touch lives.
I write because I love to share stories of the Thousand Islands, stories of history and the times past. I care about my readers and want to encourage, enlighten, and edify them. I want to connect with each person who takes the time to delve into the world of my novels. They become so much more than “fans”; they become friends.
Yes, winning an award is validating, encouraging, and edifying. The awards help me find new readers and encourage current readers to keep on reading my books. Receiving such accolades is also humbling, unexpected, and thrilling—all at the same time.
So thank you, my fans and friends, who take the time to read my stories, pass them on to others, write reviews on Amazon or other online stores, and care. At the end of the day, it’s not the awards that matter. It YOU!
Meet author Kimberly Rose Johnson
Award-winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romantic mystery and suspense that warms the heart and feeds the soul. Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
Tell us about your newest book.
The Sleuth’s Surprise is a romantic mystery set in a fictional town in Oregon. This book wraps up the series. Here is the back-cover blurb: Mary Daley has been the sheriff of Tipton County for more than two decades, but someone wants her job. When it seems circumstances can’t get more complicated, a murder happens on her watch. Had she been the intended victim?
Deputy Chief Lyle Griffin only wants Mary to be happy, but when he asks her if she’d consider retiring, it sets off a string of events and emotions that muddy their friendship. Nancy Daley-Malone can’t believe anyone would run for sheriff against her mom. She is onboard to help run the best campaign Tipton County has ever seen until the sheriff’s opponent is murdered and Nancy’s husband joins the race. On top of that, it appears someone is out to kill her mother as well. Can Nancy, along with the sheriff’s department, find the murderer before it’s too late? Will Lyle and Mary be able to admit their feelings for one another or will the status quo remain?
What inspired you to write The Sleuth’s Surprise?
I knew since book two that I wanted to write Mary and Lyle’s story. Their story had been forming in my mind for quite sometime as I was writing the books that come before it.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
The Sleuth’s Surprise is a cozy-feeling romantic mystery with a little suspense woven in. Think Hallmark Movies and Mysteries.
What genre do you focus on and why?
Currently I’m focused on writing romantic suspense with mystery, which is the reverse of The Sleuth’s Surprise.
Why do you write?
I write because I love writing. My mind is always coming up with story ideas. I like to feel successful and completing a project give me that sense of accomplishment.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Mary Daley is the main character in this book. When I started the series, I didn’t actually know her first name. I called her Sheriff Daley. I knew her last name since her daughter, who is the star of all the books, had that last name. I’m not sure how I came up with the name Mary, other than it seemed to fit.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
It really depends on what’s going on in my life. With my husband working from home and my son home again since his university moved all classes to online, it’s been different than what it used to be. Pre-COVID I would awaken at 5:20 and by 6:20 I was on the computer posting in book groups, then I break for breakfast and reading my Bible. After that, I’d work on the business side of writing and blog posts, then I would exercise. Lunch would follow and then I’d get in two to three hours of productive writing.
Now the only thing I still am regimented about is my social media early in the morning. With my husband working from home and my son living here again, it’s really messed my schedule up. I am easily distracted and have a very hard time focusing. I usually get some solid writing in during the early afternoon hours but that’s about it.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
For me it’s putting myself out there on social media. I’d much rather write my books and not do anything else. However, I do enjoy Instagram. I love looking at all the pictures on my feed.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Writing and even though I indicated that I don’t particularly enjoy social media, I really enjoy visiting with readers on Facebook. It’s fun to find out what’s going on in their lives. I also enjoy running things by them and asking for suggestions.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I’m an introvert. I love being at home and keeping to myself. I have to make a conscious effort to be social.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I am a lot more open about sharing my faith in my work as well as sharing pieces of me. In the early days of my writing (pre-published), I was closed. If you really want to know me, read my books. A piece of my heart and me are in each and every one.
What is your favorite pastime?
Walking. I love being outdoors and it makes me feel good to walk.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes, I have a several series out as well as a few stand-alone novellas. I have the third book in my Protection Inc. series releasing in October. You can find my list of books on my website https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/books/ .
What are you working on now?
Currently I’m writing a screenplay. I’m taking screenwriting intensive this summer, so that has consumed my writing time. As far as what’s next with my books, I’m not sure. I’m toying around with writing either the fourth and possibly final book in the Protection Inc. series or writing the next book in my Law Enforcement Heroes series. Wherever the Lord leads is where I will spend my time. I can’t wait to see where He leads me next!
Website: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DCRSHRH
Social media links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyrosejohnsonauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyRoseJohnson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh
Author Sherri Stewart
Sherri Stewart loves a clean novel, sprinkled with romance and a strong message that challenges her faith. Her passion is traveling to the settings of her books, sampling the food, and visiting the sites. Sadly, her trip for this book to Wales and London was cancelled due to COVID. A recent widow, Sherri lives in the Orlando area with her dog, Lily. She shares recipes, tidbits of the book’s locations, and pix in her newsletter.
Tell us about your newest book.
Meadow meets Jonathan by chance when they end up with the same seat ticket to a concert in London. Serendipity or the providence of God? They fall in love. But all good things must end when Meadow returns to Atlanta and Jonathan heads back to law school in New York. They promise to keep in touch. Jonathan believes God has brought them together. Meadow’s not so sure, but they promise to meet at Christmas on the rooftop of Cardiff Castle in Wales in two years if they’re not already spoken for. Will Jonathan keep his promise? Fans of Serendipity and Sleepless in Seattle will enjoy this novella.
What inspired you to write The Promise Keeper?
Watching the movie Serendipity, which is a fancy word for destiny or coincidence. It’s a heartwarming story, but we believers have something better—the providence of God—His sovereignty. I started thinking—what if the basic story of two people’s destiny was not a matter of chance but of God’s plan?
What genre do you focus on and why?
Mostly, I write romance with something else—suspense, contemporary, historical, and my next book is a time-travel romance.
Why do you write?
It’s my way of fulfilling the great commission. People may not read the Bible, but they may read a novel and meet God for the first time.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Once I sign a contract, I write 500 words a day six days a week. (I’m an editor so I don’t have the time for more than that.)
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Traveling to the settings in my books. My next book, The Roosevelt Key, coming out in February takes place in LA. I’ll be spending a lot of time in the famous Forest Lawn Cemetery and staying at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I like to work my way through a recipe book—making recipes in order, even if I know I won’t like them. I do the same thing with menus at restaurants.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I’ve grown a tougher skin. Belonging to critique groups and attending meetings with agents at conferences have helped me learn to make the most of criticism.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I’ve written about sixteen books. They’re available on Amazon.
Website: www.stewartwriting.com
Link to book: https://amzn.to/2Y07QP0
Social media links:
https://www.amazon.com/author/sherristewart/
https://www.facebook.com/sherristewartauthor/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/758893.Sherri_Stewart
https://www.instagram.com/stewart_sherri/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sherri-stewart
Historical Author Marilyn Turk
Marilyn Turk sees the miraculous creation of God in everyday life. As a writer, she tries to capture His truths through her historical novels and heartfelt devotions. She loves to encourage people to find their strengths and develop their God-given gifts, a message she shares when she speaks to audiences. She and her husband, avid lighthouse enthusiasts, have visited over 100, and her popular lighthouse blog features true lighthouse stories. In her spare time, she enjoys boating and fishing, taking walks or playing tennis.
Tell us about your newest book.
In Abigail’s Secret, newly widowed young mother Abby Baker goes home to Hope Harbor to help her ailing mother and restart her life. Weighed down by grief and fear of failure, she wishes she had the strength of her grandmother, who raised a young child alone while taking on the role of lighthouse keeper after her husband drowned. What was the secret of Granny Abigail’s strength? Carson Stevens is a lighthouse enthusiast who has bought the deteriorating Hope Island lighthouse to restore it and turn it into a bed-and-breakfast. When he meets Abby, he wants the attractive granddaughter of the former keepers to be part of the restoration. As Abby and Carson work together, they uncover clues to a family secret that threatens to change Abby’s life forever. But someone is trying to sabotage their efforts at restoration. Is the saboteur trying to keep something from being found? Renovating the old lighthouse is Abby and Carson’s goal, but as they grow closer, they discover that what they’ve really needed is a renovation of their hearts.
What inspired you to write Abigail’s Secret?
Several years ago I surveyed more than 100 women about strength. To the question, ‘who is the strongest woman you know or have known?’ the overwhelming majority said that woman was their mother and especially, their grandmother. In my book, a young woman believes she doesn’t have the strength to handle her responsibilities but remembers her late grandmother, a lighthouse keeper, as having extraordinary strength. I wanted to show how often we doubt our own strength, but we have just as much as God gave our ancestors.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Abby Baker, a young widow with a small child, goes home to help her ailing mother and start life over. When she meets Carson Stevens, the man who bought the lighthouse where her grandmother was a keeper, she gets involved in its restoration and discovers some surprising family history.
What genre do you focus on and why?
I usually write historical novels with romance and a little suspense.
Why do you write?
I write because I believe God gave me the stories to write and I’m obligated to write them.
Who is your main character?
My main character is Abby Baker who was named after her grandmother, Abigail Martin.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Although I try to start on it in the morning, it’s often after lunch before I get going, even though I’ve been sitting at the computer for hours already.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Consistency. So much about writing is based on self-control and self-imposed deadlines, and I lack the discipline.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Freedom and discovery. I never liked sitting under the scrutiny of a boss, which is why I was in sales for 30 years. Writing gives me the freedom to write when I want to, what I want to write, and as much as I want to write. I love the discovery of interesting historical facts I can weave into my stories and I love seeing how the stories turn out.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I never dreamed of writing books. I thought I’d only write devotionals until I went to writers’ conferences that started my mind down story trails.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I don’t worry about whether I’ll get published or not, and I’ve learned my method is what works for me. I used to try to do everything everyone else did which stressed me out.
What is your favorite pastime?
Hard to pinpoint, but I love tennis, (although I started playing late and am not very good), and I love being near water, which is why I live in Florida.
Do you have other books?
Yes, I have a four-book series set in Florida from 1861-1883 called Coastal Lights Legacy, featuring four different lighthouse settings. I also have a two-book series called Suspicious Shores which consists of The Gilded Curse andShadowed by a Spy and are set in 1942 on the East Coast.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a standalone historical romance called Love’s Saving Light, based on the true story of Maine’s traveling lighthouse schoolteacher.
Website: marilynturk.com, pathwayheart.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Abigails-Secret-Marilyn-Turk/dp/1645262626/
Social media links: Facebook.com/Marilyn.turk.9
Twitter: @MarilynTurk
Pinterest: pinterest.com/bluewaterbayou
Meet author Buck Storm
Buck Storm is a critically acclaimed author and musician. His books and songs have made friends around the world. Buck and his wife, Michelle, have been married for thirty-one years and have two married children.
Tell us about your newest book.
The Beautiful Ashes of Gomez Gomez is a literary novel about a man who’s lost his wife in a head on collision. He decides to leave everything, move into the bushes near the crash site, and basically drink himself to death so he can be with her again. The book obviously deals with a grief theme but, believe it or not, still manages romance, mystery, and humor. Part of it also takes place on a Greek Island in the sixties (so fun to write). I don’t think readers familiar with my previous books will be disappointed. Out of all my work, this was probably the most enjoyable book to write.
What inspired you to write?
I was riding in a car once with a wonderful elderly friend of mine. She told me a story of picking up the wrong suitcase at the airport one time and finding someone’s ashes inside when she got home. For some reason she found the whole thing hilarious. Granted, my book has absolutely nothing to do with that event, but I remember coming up with the title and general outline that day.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Literary Americana fiction filled with humor and heart. The Beautiful Ashes of Gomez Gomez is quirky, heartfelt, and deeply human. Lives and hopes collide in the town of Paradise, stretching across decades and continents in this epic story of forgiveness, redemption, and love.
What genre do you focus on and why?
I write literary fiction, although I’ve taken a couple side trails—a nonfiction book about some off the beaten path Israel adventures, and a couple biblical fiction novels. I come back to literary fiction because I like the freedom. It’s not quite as structured as genre fiction. And I’m more of a stream of consciousness (pantser) writer so it works well for me. Also, as a longtime songwriter, I really enjoy leaning back into the language of literary fiction.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I pretty much write every day. Grab a cup of coffee in the morning and have at it for at least six hours. Although, if there’s a deadline looming, that time multiplies quite a bit.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
I think the hardest thing about writing is disappearing into your settings and characters for months on end without any real feedback. Am I headed in the right direction? Does any of it make any sense? What if it’s plain old horrible? Or, even worse, boring? The whole thing by nature is a very solitary business. Somewhere down deep, a writer has to have a pretty big reserve of confidence in his or her ability to keep pressing on (either that or be delusional ).
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The same as the hardest part. Writing challenges me every day. Every hour, really. I’m a bit of an introvert, so, settling into my writing chair with a whole day of creativity in front of me is one of the best feelings in the world.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I’m probably best known as a singer/songwriter (and hopefully an author) but I worked for ten years or so as a commercial diver (not driver) and fisherman.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
For a long, long time I was afraid the other shoe would drop, and everyone from my agent to publishers to readers would realize I’m basically making the whole thing up and have absolutely no idea what I’m doing. I still have moments of that, but I like to think I’m learning the craft a bit more. Still it’s a bottomless well. Always so much to improve on!
What is your favorite pastime?
Anything to do with my family. I have two married children and a new granddaughter. We’re a very close family and do things together almost every day. I’m so blessed it that way. Not only do I have a wonderful family but built in friends. I just love it. (Especially if we’re on a beach somewhere in the world!)
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
The Miracle Man (Iron Stream Media)
Truck Stop Jesus (Iron Stream Media)
Finding Jesus in Israel, Through the Holy Land on the Road Less Traveled (Hachette Book Group)
The List (Compass Publishing)
The Light (Humphrey House Books)
What are you working on now?
At the moment I’m working on a follow up to Gomez Gomez—The Sound the Sun Makes. Right after that I’ll be starting a third book called Venus Sings the Blues. Kregel will be releasing these as a three-book series called The Ballads of Paradise.
Website: www.buckstorm.com
Link to book: https://www.kregel.com/fiction/beautiful-ashes-of-gomez-gomez/
Social media links:
www.facebook.com/buckstormauthor